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Art on Campus: Creating a Collection Management Infrastructure at the University of Pittsburgh

Yellow art sculpture next to the Barco Law Building on campus. Artist - Tony Smith, Light Up! 1971, Painted Steel

Featured Image: Tony Smith, Light Up! 1971, Painted Steel

Abstract

Art on Campus is the first major step in producing a complete inventory of artworks owned by the University. Our work will lay the groundwork for harnessing Pitt’s art collections to meet the University’s strategic goals. In this seed phase, we propose four primary initiatives: create a data collection methodology; apply that methodology to assess three sites of Pitt’s main campus – Alumni Hall, Mervis Hall, and artworks in outdoor public spaces; determine which collections management database system is best-suited to the University and project needs; and a final report of recommendations for a comprehensive art inventory and management plan for Pitt. In the first year of the grant period, special attention will be placed on assessing and cataloguing artworks in outdoor spaces and producing a preliminary benchmarking study for the development of a public art plan at Pitt. Throughout the grant period, team leaders will mentor graduate student assistants and undergraduate interns to research and collect data to support the project goals.

Art on Campus is a collaborative project between the History of Art and Architecture (HAA), University Library System (ULS), University Archives, University Art Gallery (UAG), and the Frick Fine Arts Library.

Learn more about public art at Pitt - https://www.art.pitt.edu 

News articles featuring Art on Campus 
https://www.utimes.pitt.edu/news/doctoral-student-turns
https://www.utimes.pitt.edu/news/ask-utimes-where-did 

Project Lead

Zachary Brodt
Co-Project Lead
University Archivist, University Library System (ULS)

Sylvia Rhor Samaniego
Co-Project Lead
Director, University Art Gallery (UAG)

Select Collaborators

Chelsea Gunn
Team Member 
Graduate Student Assistant

Kate Joranson
Team Member
Head, Frick Fine Arts Library, University Library System (ULS)

Kirk Savage
Team Member
Professor and Chair, History of Art and Architecture (HAA)

Alex Taylor
Team Member
Assistant Professor, History of Art and Architecture (HAA)

Goal Area

Strengthen Communities